Celebrity guests at the wedding of entertainer
Liza Minnelli and producer David Gest in New York have paid tribute to the couple's marriage ceremony.

Minnelli, the Oscar-winning daughter of actress Judy Garland, said her vows before a packed house of stars that included Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor.

Singer Roberta Flack said: "It was very emotional, very passionate."

"It didn't sound scripted - it didn't sound like somebody said: 'You know, Liza, you're a show- woman star. David you are a great entrepreneur. We want you to say this.'

Guest Joan Collins: Married a month ago

"It was all from the heart. It was really beautiful."

Model Helena Christensen said the couple had exchanged rings and then "made beautiful speeches to each other".

They had also "kissed and kissed and kissed," she said.

Singer Dionne Warwick said: "When the minister said: 'I now pronounce you man and wife' - that was the best part."

English actress Sally Kirkland said the wedding had been "brilliant, joyous, delightful" and "romantic as hell".

Actress Joan Collins compared the wedding to her own, a month ago.

"The wedding was lovely - almost as beautiful as ours," she joked. " I wish them to be as happy as we are."

Minnelli's wedding - her fourth - came after she rebounded from health problems that threatened her career.

Michael Jackson was best man and Elizabeth Taylor was matron of honour

In a white dress by Bob Mackie, Minnelli, 56, showed little sign of the hardship she has endured in the last few years through back and hip surgery, viral encephalitis and a fight against an addiction to pain-killers.

Hundreds of people had lined Fifth Avenue to watch fleets of black limousines take guests to the city's Marble Collegiate Church.

Elizabeth Taylor and actress Marisa Berenson stood as maids of honor and Jackson and his brother, Tito, childhood friends of Gest's, were the best men.

"As long as he keeps trying, they will make it. Happiness is very elusive and we wish them the best of luck," said actor Mickey Rooney on the way in to the ceremony.

Unforgettable

Minnelli broke with tradition, arriving an hour before the ceremony, to change into her wedding dress. Taylor and best man Michael Jackson arrived 15 minutes after the wedding was due to begin, with Diana Ross.

McCutcheon was the first British arrival, wearing a floor-sweeping black gown, as instructed by the bride.